Frank Forrestall (he/him) is a Canadian surrealist painter based in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. Influenced by world mythology, folklore, and mysticism, Frank’s figurative work serves as a visual exploration of the subconscious and human experience. His paintings, initially conceived as meditative and cathartic expression, have resonated with audiences who find deep emotional connections within his layered compositions. A lifelong artist, Frank has been painting professionally since 2016, steadily building a reputation for his intricate storytelling and masterful technique. His work continues to captivate collectors and art enthusiasts, affirming his place in the contemporary art world.
“Nebuchadnezzar shares its namesake with the work by William Blake that inspired it: Nebuchadnezzar (1795 – c. 1805). In Blake’s vision, Nebuchadnezzar is tormented by a dream of a falling tree, a symbol of his empire in collapse, and he is transformed into a crawling, animalistic mad man. I was drawn to how this image reflects a deep aspect of human nature by our pursuit of earthly concerns may lead to the deterioration of our soul. The closer we come to achieving our goals, the more we suffer, and we are haunted by the realization that is always just out of reach. Empires built on hubris alone will only destroy us, as we can only watch our empire fall and decay.
“The painting also draws from Hieronymus Bosch’s The Garden of Earthly Delights (c.1490 – 1510), but more specifically the third panel, where the surreal and haunting figure of the ‘Tree Man’ appears. This image inspired a fusion of Blake and Bosch in my work. I was particularly struck by the human body reimagined as a tortured, architectural form that carried a heavy burden.”
“Gilgamesh Under the Sea was inspired by Renaissance visions of hell, merged with time-lapse videos of duelling coral. It began as many of my paintings, with chaotic abstract forms that gradually take on discernible qualities. The depths of the sea are alien landscapes upon which the imagination can be projected. Gilgamesh is one of many heroes to undertake a journey into the mystic underworld in search of an ultimate prize.”
